Matching the gifts of the pastor with the needs of the congregation is the focus of Bishop Reuben Saenz to address the dwindling numbers in small church congregations in the United Methodist Church. For this reason, Jamie Norwich McClennan was appointed to be the new pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Gothenburg as of July 1.

McClennan said, “I’m good at teaching and storytelling,” but her focus is spiritual formation. “Preaching is one-sided,” she said in explanation to her desire to continue the conversation with those hearing her message. She has started a Coffee & Conversation group on Thursday mornings at 10 in order to allow people to share what they hear in the sermon and share their context, she said.

For more of this story see the Aug. 30 edition of The Gothenburg Times.